Tampa Bay Derby Darlins doubleheader 4-19-20

The Tampa Bay Derby Darlins kicked off its 2008 season Saturday night with a double header.

The Cigar City Mafia won its tightly contested bout against the Vice Grip Vixens - 79 to 70; and the Switchblade Sisters fought hard to best the visiting Panama City roller girls - 133 to 98.

Mossy Choak and Wild Cherri were standout jammers for CCM.

It was nice to see the return of the Switchblade Sisters, which hadn't competed since, I believe, early 2007.

Panama City held its own well into the second period, despite the point gap in the final score.

Proving her mettle, new SS skater Rennie Rampage took a hard hit that brought out the EMTs. Many were probably surprised to see her quickly return a short time later and rack up some needed points.

Those who live in or near Panama City need to check out a match of the PCRD just to see Scarlet Letter Have It. She is a ferocious skater who looks like Kelly Clarkson, has a heart like Leona Helmsley and blocks like Deacon Jones. I believe she spent more time in the sin bin, but her forceful presence was felt while she was on the track. However, she may have better helped her team had she toned down her aggressive nature just enough to remain on the track rather than in the penalty box.

If you haven't checked out a match by the Darlins, I suggest you attend the next bout May 17 against Minnesota at Skateplex, 5313 Busch Blvd. in Tampa.

For more (grainy) photos, click here.

The Dresden Dolls – Tampa Theatre 1-10-08

Even before The Dresden Dolls finished the third song in their performance Jan. 10 at the historic Tampa Theatre, fans were begging the band to return.

From the back rows of the darkly atmospheric, Mediterranean-style theatre designed in 1925 – and possibly the American venue most perfectly suited for the band’s "Brechtian punk cabaret" – came an earnest plea.

“Come back!”

A couple other fans joined the call for the band to include Tampa on future tour stops.

Amused and a bit surprised, Amanda Palmer (vocals and piano) essentially said, “We haven’t even finished this show yet.”

The second of only two performances by the Dolls in Florida, and the first time they appeared in Tampa, Palmer and Brian Viglione (drums, vocals and guitar) delivered an amazing musical experience. What they created was much more than just a concert. Over nearly two hours, everything the band did that night was a highlight.

Taking the stage dressed in long dark trench coats and caps reminiscent of something a Nazi general would wear, The Dolls opened the show with a masterful interpretation of Pink Floyd’s “In The Flesh.” It was a great start to a great show that never faltered and only got better.

Every song performed was notable, but standouts included the intense rendition of “Half Jack;” the total audience sing-along cover of the Beastie Boys’ “Fight For Your Right (To Party),” which featured Palmer on drums, Viglione on guitar and help from Christopher Schiel, one of the two bass players from Two Ton Boa; and the rousing, hand-clap inducing “Night at the Roses.”

The most riveting moment was during the torch song, “The Gardner.” Palmer’s passionate performance was chilling. While she sang the vitriolic closing chorus, she slowly, absently squeezed a flower to pulp as moisture trickled between the fingers of her clenched fist.

Closing the encore, the band unleashed its wicked awesome cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” which they made their own while doing justice to the original.

In the end, there were a number of songs from the band’s albums that would have been welcome additions to the set list. However, concerts of this caliber are rare, so it would be surprising if anyone seriously asked why specific songs weren't played.

The only questions that remains? When will The Dresden Dolls come back?